Moscow, Russia (BERITAPOLITIK.ONLINE) — In a horrifying turn of events, assailants stormed into a bustling concert hall in Moscow on Friday evening, unleashing a barrage of gunfire that claimed the lives of over 60 people and left more than 100 injured. The attack, occurring just days after President Vladimir Putin secured his re-election in a highly orchestrated landslide victory, has sent shockwaves through the city.
The concert hall, Crocus City Hall, situated on Moscow’s western edge, was packed with concertgoers gathered for a performance by the popular Russian rock band Picnic. Witnesses described scenes of panic and chaos as the attackers opened fire indiscriminately, sending people scrambling for safety.
Initial reports suggest that the assailants, clad in combat fatigues, entered the venue and began firing upon the crowd. Videos circulating on social media depict harrowing scenes of individuals being shot at point-blank range, while others desperately tried to flee the building engulfed in flames.
Authorities have labeled the incident as an act of terrorism, with the Islamic State group claiming responsibility for the attack via statements on affiliated social media channels. According to a U.S. intelligence official, information had been received indicating that the Islamic State’s branch in Afghanistan was plotting an attack in Moscow, which was shared with Russian officials prior to the tragedy.
The Kremlin has been swift to respond, with President Putin being informed of the assault shortly after it commenced. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has called the raid a “huge tragedy,” as emergency services rushed to the scene to contain the fire and attend to the wounded.
The attack, the deadliest in Russia in recent years, has prompted heightened security measures across the country, with tightened surveillance at transportation hubs and mass gatherings suspended in Moscow. Meanwhile, speculation and accusations have already begun to surface, with some Russian lawmakers pointing fingers at Ukraine, although Ukrainian authorities vehemently deny any involvement.
This grim event has reignited fears of terrorism in Russia, a country scarred by past atrocities including the siege of a Moscow theater in 2002 and the Beslan school massacre in 2004, both perpetrated by Chechen militants.
As investigations into the attack continue, the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives and grapples with the grim reality of yet another senseless act of violence on its soil.
